A Big Round of Applause...

We raised almost $300 for Baltimore Clayworks! Big hugs to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket. Thanks to your generous support, Clayworks will have a little extra help to continue their wonderful ceramics education programs and reach out the the community.

For more information about Clayworks visit them at www.baltimoreclayworks.org/

If you didn't win the raffle this time, keep in mind we will have one, or possibly two, huge raffle baskets at Holiday Heap in December- win holiday presents for everyone with one ticket!!

Thank you!

We would like to thank our sponsors (hugs and smooches!) of this year's Pile of Craft. Thank you to Alpha Graphics, Trohv, doubledutch, Chop Shop, Laughing Pint, and Carma's for your generous donations and for believing in Baltimore's craft community.

Alpha Graphics

Trohv

doubledutch

Chop Shop
The Laughing Pint

Carma's

You rock our crafty world. We love ya!

THANK YOU!!!

Pile of Craft is over- we'd like to thank each and every person who was involved, either as a crafter, intern, significant-other-helper, sponsor, or shopper! The church was packed with crafts at first, and then packed with people! Crafters, we love seeing your work. You are all amazing. Helpers and interns and sponsors, we couldn't have done it without you. And, SHOPPERS, we love you too for braving the heat (and the line at GrrChe!) and for supporting all the wonderful artists who depend on people like you. We hope you found some great new pieces of craft, took some fun pictures in the photobooth, and in general had a wonderful day.

Check back as we upload pictures from the fair, and let us know what you thought! If you have any photos to share we'd love to see them and you can tag "charmcitycraftmafia" or "pileofcraft" on flickr to share with everyone.

Love,

the Charm City Craft Mafia

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Bee's Knees Studio

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
Bee’s Knees Studio is a one-woman three ring circus of non-stop cuteness.  I make paintings and prints of a decidedly silly nature, and have recently been branching out into three dimensional craftiness as well.

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Quite frankly, I’m scared to look.  I have a sneaking suspicion that it would be semi-sentient craft felt life forms and one ominous googly eye.
 
If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
Online at http://ericavess.com or if you happen to be in Richmond VA (hey, stranger things have happened) I have a small selection of work at Crossroads Art Gallery (Staples Mill & Broad St) and at Artworks on Hull St.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
A tie between National Ensalada Caprese Day and National Spicy Cheetos Day, because I like to walk the line between classy and trashy!

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, 2 hawks 2 fishes

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
2 hawks 2 fishes is a labor of love. If I print something, it's to see other people's faces light up the way mine did when i came up with the idea. I'll be bringing hand screen printed tea towels, bags, artist prints, cards, some shirts, and little books.

What I love about doing craft sales is I get to spend the day meeting new people, talking with old friends, and looking what great things other artists are making. Who wouldn't want to do that?

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Probably my little cat Yoshi, who knows she's not allowed in the studio. She likes to sneak in and hide so she can be with me.

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
You can see more of my work on my web site, 2hawks2fishes.com or my on line shop, etsy.com/shop/2hawks2fishes.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
Right now i think a national mango coconut ice cream day is what i could really go for.

Grilled Cheese Truck

What a "Gouda" Idea!!

GRR CHE

Baltimore's Newest Food Truck will be at Pile of Craft tomorrow!!

Grr Che features gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches including Maine lobster and brie, Maryland crabcake & monterrey jack, The Middle Eastern--Armenian string cheese with mint & olive oil on pita JUST TO NAME A FEW!!!! To tempt the sweet tooth you will also find desserts with mascarpone, brie, chocolate & caramel. Follow the grilled cheese truck on TWITTER @GrrChe and follow them right over to PILE OF CRAFT tomorrow from 10-5 at 2640 St. Paul Street (St. John's Church).

What could be better than CRAFTS & GRILLED CHEESE!!!!!!??

Last sneak peek of Raffle Items!

Guess what? Tomorrow is Pile of Craft!! Aren't you soooo excited?? I know I am. I'm also totally looking forward to purchasing as many raffle tickets as I can possibly get my hands on so I can up my chances for winning all this amazingly cool stuff!

Superlative Study from Sweet Pepita
Hand cut fabric lettering stitched onto acid-free drawing paper.
This is a matted 5x7 mixed media piece (fits in an 8x10 frame) and valued at $24

This is the story behind the work...
Gooder. Something was gooder... I don't remember what. "There's no such word," I told my daughter. "There's good, better, and best."
"And da bomb!" she corrected. True. Very true.

Print by Found Studios

Found Studio produces mixed media originals cleverly infused with found materials and textures.

Two Stripy Cups by Miss. Millie Ceramics.
Hand built porcelain measuring about 3 1/2" x 3'' x 3''.

Falling Leaf Animal by GreenStar Studios
She measures approximately 9" tall, and is decorated with hand stitched "falling leaves" (these small pieces of eco felt & wool felt are the tiniest bits of scraps left over from all my larger plush work... and i never throw good felt away!). Her body is 100% eco felt, a vegan felt alternative made from recycled plastic bottles, instead of animal wool. Her seams are hand sewn in blanket stitch, in a rich floss.

That's all for our sneak peaks but don't worry, there will be lots more to check out tomorrow! So be sure to stop by with your wallets, cash and shopping list.
And don't forget....all raffle proceeds go to support the Baltimore Clayworks so buy up those tickets!

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Pellinore Press

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
Letterpress & woodcuts inspired by nature, surrealism, & early 20th century illustration.  Stationery, fine art, sketchbooks & novelties.

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Paper trimmings and the paperwork I'm avoiding.

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
At PellinorePress.com and at MICA's Summer Art Market -- During Artscape, inside the Brown Center, with the AIR CONDITIONING.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
The Pellinore Press household is very fond of catfish.  We proudly endorse National Catfish Day.

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, NAMOO

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
I love modern designer fabrics, craft items from overseas, mainly from
Japan and Korea, and eco-friendly materials. I enjoy my time to create
something with them for babies, little children, and home.

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Scraps of fabric, paper with my scribbles on, fabric store receipts,
and my daughter’s stuffed animal who likes to hide under my pile of
fabric scraps.

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where
would I find more of your work?
I am on etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/Namoo) and I attend local craft
fairs throughout the year. My whereabouts are updated at my blog,
http://namoohandmade.blogspot.com/.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day!
What would your National Food Holiday be?
National Noodle Day! any kind of noodle.... I can't pass!

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Miss Millie Ceramics

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
Miss Millie is a porcelain line of functional wares, sculptural ornaments and jewelry handmade by me, Melissa Crotty, in my studio in South Philly. My colors are bright and my images are whimsical and silly although sometimes I'm called "creepy."

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Bugs and flowers are at the bottom of my pile of craft!

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
You can always find my wares and follow my whereabouts at missmillie.net
If you are visiting Philly you can find my work at Art Star and The Clay Studio.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
National Pizza Day!

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, greenstarstudio

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
greenstarstudio is a collection of decorative & functional art pieces & plush for kids of all ages. Whenever possible, I utilize repurposed, local and/ or organic materials & never throw ANYTHING away!

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
These days, its usually my 7 month old, Emerson. He's my studio assistant and CEO (Cute Executive Officer).

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
You can find my work in shops & galleries all over the country, but closer to home: at Trohv in Hampden;  aMuse Toys in Owings Mills & The Women's Industrial Exchange on Charles Street, just to name a few. You can also find me at Artscape in a few weeks. And anytime, online, at http://www.greenstarstudio.etsy.com

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
Oh, I probably shouldn't be answering these questions on an empty stomach... can I just pick an herb? Basil. National Basil Day.

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Sweet Pepita

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
I sew one of a kind apparel from organic cotton and recycled fabric. I love the nostalgia in vintage tees and the softness of organic cotton.

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
I'm not sure... it's a surprise!

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
I recently made a huge delivery of argyle tees and dottie dresses to Nest (part of the conscious corner in Clarksville), Trohv in Hampden carries pixie hats and tees, and my etsy shop, of course.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
National tortilla soup day!

(once again) it is time to get down

Last month I posted here about a different kind of dance party called the Baltimore Get Down. I was there, and it was good -- 3am grooves at 8:30 on a weeknight? amazing funky moves? smiles all around? Done, done and done.

It's happening again this Thursday and I urge anyone who needs a good get-down (and really, who doesn't?) but doesn't have the flexibility of schedule or spirit necessary to get your groove on at more traditional Dancing Venues (read: after-hours and meat markets) to pick it up and shake it on down to 2640 St Paul St THIS THURSDAY from 7-10pm.

It's also a great way to warm up for a weekend of getting down.

So: calling all grown-ups who want to get down! This Thursday, June 23rd at St John's Church from 7-10pm you can pay $10 to dance to 3 hours of eclectic, butt-moving music. No alcohol and NO PARKING ON THE DANCE FLOOR! See you there.

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Cutesy but not Cutesy

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
I make hand-stitched, one-of-a-kind plush monsters, the gentlest of gentlebeasts that just need a hug. (and other monster-related products!)

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
My pile of craft is endless, like an active felt volcano with molten fluff eternally brewing beneath the floor's surface.

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
You can keep up to date on my whereabouts around the country on my website at www.cutesybutnotcutesy.com and also check out some of my products there OR follow me on twitter @dkoss2 and periodically check for new Cutesy mascot sitings and videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/cutesybutnotcutesy.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
National Soft-serve with Rainbow Sprinkles Day sounds awesome right now but it's steep competition with National Guacamole Day.

Win a sampler set from Bigg's & Featherbelle!

Another great item from our raffle basket from Bigg's & Featherbelle! I love their soap so much I have a special case for it when I travel....can't leave home without my B&F :)
Mini Bar soap sampler gift set:
A sampler of Biggs & Featherbelle soaps. Eight half size bars come nestled in a hand painted box. Includes Bark®, Momma Bar®, Bar-lamint, Beach Bar®, Barbados®, Lemon Bar, Tequila Bar and Bardot. Biggs & Featherbelle soaps are handmade with unique recipes to meet the needs of different skin types, using the properties of natural resources to heal and nourish. Every ingredient is purposeful and free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and additives.
All Raffle proceeds go to the Baltimore Clayworks!

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Biggs & Featherbelle

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
Handmade and natural body care products created by two sisters including soaps, lip balms, bath soaks, scrubs, gift sets and more

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Lots of fabric
Every color of paint, colored pencils and pens

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
Whole Foods
Trohv Baltimore and D.C.
MOM's Organic Market
Roots Market

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
Kasey - National Macaroni & Cheese Day!
Kelly - National Taco Day!

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Open Eyes Press

 
Please describe your work in 140 characters.
I primarily screen print and sew eco-friendly housewares.  Much of my designs take inspiration from vintage advertising and industrial design. 

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Fabric scraps, drawings and ideas scribbled on random sheets of paper, old receipts for supplies, etc.

If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
On Etsy, of course, and at select retail locations in the US: Young Blood Gallery, Atlanta; VIX Emporium, Philadelphia; Urban Bazaar, San Francisco; and Meadowview Farmers' Guild, Virginia.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
National Avocado Day!  I love avocados and eat them all the time. :)

Meet Pile of Craft Vendor, Hillery Sproatt

Please describe your work in 140 characters.
My prints, drawings, and embroidered objects are made with careful attention to detail and much care. I grew up around soft handmade goods and have always been interested in smallness. The smallness we sometimes feel, the smallness of special objects found and lost, the smallness of everything as it relates to everything else. As of late, I have been making men and women figures. I am excited by the intimacy of creation, the small details that describe the human figure, and each dolls lovingly familiar expressions drawn with stitches.

What's at the bottom of your "pile of craft?"
Scraps of paper, bits of thread, and a tiny brush.
 
If I were to miss Pile of Craft (which would never happen!), where would I find more of your work?
I just launched an online shop called Specks & Keepings. Specks & Keepings is a small shop filled with handmade and collected objects and design. It is a showcase of thoughtfully made goods that aim to inspire a simple lifestyle that is carefully shaped and chosen.

Specks & Keepings is an environment where I can continually share my new work along with wonderful objects made by talented artists from all over the country. The shop currently features handmade clothing, artwork and items for the home by Anschtecka, Adam Wolpa, Eric Stiner, Hillery Sproatt, Karen Thurman, Kotoa & Rebe. When browsing the shop, I hope people will be overwhelmed with a sense of wonder at the beauty of a handmade life. I aimed to create a shopping environment that encourages people to think about what it is they are bringing into their homes and into their lives. I believe on some level, our possessions are an extension of ourselves and they should speak to who we are as individuals. Things are always more beautiful when they mean something to us.

To see what pieces are currently available for sale, visit www.specksandkeepings.com.

June 25th is National Catfish Day AND National Strawberry Parfait Day! What would your National Food Holiday be?
Bread Puddings Day. My mom makes the most wonderful bread pudding.

You could win 2 tea towels from Open Eyes Press!

Just another sneak peak at what you could be taking home as the winner of this years amazing Raffle! Rachael from Open Eyes Press is offering up 2 of her lovely tea towels for the raffle basket. You can see more stunning items from Open Eyes Press by clicking here OR by coming to Pile of Craft and taking home some new eco-friendly handmade goods!
All proceeds of the Raffle basket go to support the Baltimore Clayworks:)

Win a print from Jaime Zollars!

Win this amazing limited edition 5 color print from Jaime Zollars! It's valued at $70 but all you need is the winning raffle ticket from Pile of Craft 2011! Jaime Zollars is a local illustrator who will be showing her amazing prints and apparel this year at Pile of Craft. Check out her website to peek at more of her dreamy illustrations and make sure to stop by her booth this year!
All the raffle proceeds will go to support the Baltimore Clayworks.

Pile of Craft Raffle Basket time!

This year the Charm City Craft mafia is happy to host a really awesome raffle basket to benefit the Baltimore Clayworks! The Clayworks is located in lovely Mt. Washington and if you've never been there I highly suggest taking a trip to check out the amazing studio space and gallery located there. Baltimore Clayworks is a non-profit ceramic art center that exists to develop, sustain, and promote an artist-centered community that provides outstanding artistic, educational, and collaborative programs in ceramic arts. Click here to learn more about them!

Stay tuned for a sneak peak into what the raffle basket will hold! It's going to be simply amazing and a great haul for the lucky winner!! Tickets will be available at the info table during Pile of Craft 2011. Good luck!

Our BEST Friends are Hosting a Party!

Come join BEST for the second annual Etsy Craft Party, sponsored by I Heart Art: Baltimore. This year, we'll be meeting up at Maryland Institute College of Art in the Fox building, rooms 214, 215 and 218. We'll have fun, free, activities for all ages, including a community bunting project, a papercut project, and funky make-your-own hon glasses! So put on your best crafting gear, and come out and play!RSVP here! We can't wait!

Gunpowder River Artfest

Great art, food, wine and music! Gunpowder River Artfest is being held this year at Boordy Vineyard in Hydes, MD. The artfest is sponsored by the Northern Baltimore County Art Foundation. The event features juried artists from around the area, live music, food and great wine.

CCCM's own Spaghetti Kiss, Pink Kiss Pottery, and Sugar Paperie will be there showcasing their wares. Why don't you come out for a visit?

Date: June 4th, 2011 Time 11:00 am- 8:00 pm
Admission: $12 adults, $10 teens (13-20), kids free

Admission includes wine tasting for those 21 and up, parking, live music and children's activities. For more information visit the NBCAF website.